Probiotics Help for Endometriosis

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are found in certain foods and supplements.  Healthy gut bacteria can become upset by taking anti-biotics or taking drug treatments or pain-killers on a regular basis.  Therefore, it can be really beneficial for your gut as well as your general health to supplement with probiotics to re-balance your system. This is especially relevant for those who have taken many pain killers to try and quell their pain of endometriosis.

As well as supporting gut health probiotics have additional health benefits both for physical health and mental health. Taking a regular course of probiotics can help restore the natural balance of your gut bacteria which in turn will support your entire system.

Interestingly, gut health has been connected to mental well-being. Studies have found supplementing with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains for 1–2 months can improve anxiety, depression and memory. Also probiotics may help improve the immune system especially as most of the immune system is generated in the gut.  Certain probiotics have also been shown to promote the production of natural antibodies in the body.


Probiotics offer promising potential in managing endometriosis symptoms by supporting gut health, reducing inflammation, and modulating hormonal balance.



     Gut bacteria and endometriosis

 

Research suggests that imbalances in gut bacteria may trigger or worsen endometriosis by altering estrogen levels.

Research on monkeys with endometriosis has shown that when compared to the healthy control group, they showed a significant lack of the probiotic lactobacillus, a ‘good’ bacteria, and significantly more ‘bad’ bacteria such as  salmonella and e.coli.

Monkeys with endometriosis also showed a significant increase of intestinal inflammation than compared to their healthy counterparts in the control group. Although research is not yet conclusive, there seems to be a link between gut health and the occurrence or severity of the disease.

More recent research is also coming to light that the bacteria of Bifidobacterium have specific benefits for endometriosis as it helps to protect the gut lining. This bacterium works alongside Lactobacillus, and these microbes contribute to the overall integrity of the intestinal barrier by supporting and normalizing important tight junction proteins.

Specifically, Bifidobacterium strains offer therapeutic potential for managing endometriosis by suppressing chronic pelvic inflammation, regulating estrogen metabolism, and stabilizing the gut-brain axis.


Neurotransmitter production supported by probiotics


Gut bacteria that help to make brain chemicals (Neurotransmitters)

The following strains of healthy gut bacteria help to make certain neurotransmitters in the gut, which are then utilised by the brain and affect mood, sleep and the central nervous system

  •            Bacillus - dopamine and norepinephrine
  •            Bifido-bacterium - GABA (calming)
  •            Enterococcus - Serotonin
  •            Escherichia - Norepinephrine and Serotonin
  •            Lactobacillus - Acetycholine and GABA
  •            Streptococcus - Serotonin


Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics are “good” bacteria and yeast that keep the natural biome of your vagina and digestive tract in balance. Prebiotics are foods that promote the growth of probiotics.

People with endometriosis often have an imbalance of microorganisms, which probiotics and prebiotics may help correct.

One 2019 study published in the International Journal of Fertility and Sterility found that eight weeks of probiotic supplementation with lactobacillus capsules provided some beneficial effects for endometriosis-related pain.


Neurotransmitters and how they Affect Emotions

     Dopamine

Dopamine plays a role in pain processing in multiple levels of the central nervous system and is also well know as the neurotransmitter that helps control the brains reward and pleasure centre.  Low dopamine levels are associated with stiff and achy muscles, tremors and impaired fine motor skills like seen in Parkinsons

    Norepinephrine

The general function of norepinephrine is to mobilize the brain and body for action. Norepinephrine release is lowest during sleep, rises during wakefulness, and reaches much higher levels during situations of stress or danger, in the so-called fight-or-flight response.

     Serotonin

Serotonin (also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is a naturally occurring substance that functions as a neurotransmitter to carry signals between nerve cells throughout your body. Serotonin is found mainly in the digestive tract, and is made from tryptophan which is obtain through diet in foods such as nuts and cheese.  Serotonin regulates depression, anxiety and helps to heal wounds.  Interestingly, serotonin is often responsible for causing nausea.  Serotonin is also responsible for regulating the sleep cycle.

     GABA

GABA is a major calming neurotransmitter and plays an important role in behavior, cognition, and the body's response to stress. Research suggests that GABA helps to control fear and anxiety when neurons become overexcited. Lower-than-normal levels of GABA in the brain have been linked to depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.


Suggested Supplementing of Probiotics

There are many different probiotic supplements available.  Interestingly, acidophilus and bifidus are beneficial to help expel estrogen by changing the molecules into a form that can be excreted from the body. They also decrease estrogen recycling in the intestines by limiting the growth of unhealthy bacteria.

The bacteria of Lactobacilli seems to play a key role in restoring a healthy gut balance.  One small study found the probiotic strain Lactobacillus gasseri to significantly reduce the total weight and surface area of endometrial implants in female mice.

The exact reason for this is unknown. Researchers believe that L. gasseri may increase levels of a cytokine called interleukin-12, which has been shown to reduce growth of endometrial tissue.

Human studies are needed to know the best probiotic strains and doses for endometriosis.  In the meantime, supplementing with a probiotic complex with various strains will help to improve your gut health and support your immune system.

Research Observation Regarding Probiotics and Endometriosis

In a randomized pilot placebo-controlled trial involving women diagnosed with stage 3 and 4 endometriosis, LactoFem (a formulation containing Lactobacillus) was administered orally once a day for 8 weeks. The study showed that Lactobacilli had beneficial effects on endometriosis-associated pain, specifically dysmenorrhea, and chronic pelvic pain.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10747908/


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About the Author

Hi, I am Carolyn Levett, the Founder here at endo-resolved - I am an Integrative Health Coach having studied nutrition, naturopathy and aromatherapy as well as being a published author of three endometriosis books. I used to suffer from severe endometriosis and was fortunate to be able to regained my health and recover from this disease with the support of nutrition, natural therapies and lots of determination.

My motivation is to help other women with endometriosis to heal their bodies so they may start to overcome this awful disease without having to totally rely on toxic drugs and surgeries which can cause further damage  -  with healing thoughts, Carolyn.



References:

Endometriosis and intestinal microflora in monkeys - academic.oup.com

New probiotics for endometriosis health - Pubmed

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006899318301501

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/neuroscience-in-everyday-life/201908/gut-bacteria-can-influence-your-mood-thoughts-and-brain

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29903615/

https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45544.html



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